Lamb and eggplant stew is a delectable and flavorful dish that combines the richness of lamb with the tender texture of eggplant. This classic Mediterranean dish is a popular choice for home cooks and restaurant patrons alike, and it can be easily adapted to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a spicy or mild stew, or if you want to add other vegetables or herbs, this versatile dish offers endless possibilities for customization. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect lamb and eggplant stew, including tips for selecting the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions for cooking the stew, and suggestions for serving and storing it. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we dive into the delightful world of lamb and eggplant stew.
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KHORESH-E BADEMJOON (PERSIAN LAMB, EGGPLANT AND TOMATO STEW)
Bademjoon, sometimes spelled bademjan, is a quintessential summer dish in Iran, and it was a childhood favorite of mine. Fresh lemon juice and ghooreh, or unripe grapes, lighten the stew and lend a particularly tart punch. (Use fresh or frozen ghooreh if you can find either. You could also use pickled ghooreh, but be sure to rinse them well before using to rid them of excess salt.) Those sharp flavors contrast nicely with the soft, comforting texture of the eggplant and tomatoes, which grow silky as they cook down. This dish is particularly delicious with a piece of crunchy tahdig.
Provided by Samin Nosrat
Categories dinner, meat, soups and stews, main course
Time 3h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large bowl, season lamb with turmeric, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
- Peel the eggplants but leave the green skin on the stem end intact. Trim the tips of the stems and make an incomplete lengthwise cut in each eggplant from the bottom, leaving both halves attached at the stem. Place eggplants in a colander set inside a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, set a large Dutch oven or similar pot over medium-high heat. When the pot is hot, add 3 tablespoons oil. When the oil shimmers, add onion and cook, stirring regularly, until softened and browned, 16 to 18 minutes.
- Add the meat and cook, turning regularly, until it browns evenly on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes. Add 4 cups water and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- In the meantime, rinse the eggplants, dry thoroughly and set aside. Remove stems and halve tomatoes through their cores and set aside. Line a baking sheet with two layers of paper towels and set aside.
- Set a large frying pan over high heat. When the pan is hot, add 1/4 cup oil and carefully lay eggplants in the pan in a single layer. It's crucial to leave space between each eggplant for steam to escape, so brown in batches if necessary. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook, turning regularly, until eggplants are browned on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove browned eggplants to lined baking sheet and allow to drain.
- Use the same pan to brown tomatoes, cut-side down, in remaining 2 tablespoons oil for about 5 minutes. Flip and cook tomatoes on skin side until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes, then remove to lined baking sheet.
- Once the meat has cooked for 1 hour, stir in the tomato paste, saffron and 1/4 cup lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Carefully arrange the browned eggplants and tomatoes atop the stew and then sprinkle on the young grapes. Allow the stew to come to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, uncovered, until meat is falling apart and stew is thick and unctuous, about 1 hour. Without jostling the eggplants too much, taste a spoonful or two of the stew. It should be pleasantly tart, so adjust the seasoning with salt and lime juice as needed.
- Serve hot, with Persian rice and mast-o khiar, as well as pickles, fresh herbs, scallions and radishes, if desired.
EGGPLANT AND POMEGRANATE STEW (WITH BEEF OR LAMB)
Adapted from May S. Bsisu's fantastic book, "The Arab Table," this recipe for a hearty and exotic stew features classic Arab flavor combinations and is very filling and healthful. NOTE: ground beef may be substituted in equal amounts for the ground lamb and the recipe will still be outstanding!
Provided by Aisha al Saieed
Categories Stew
Time 2h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Start a pot of water to boil. While waiting for it to boil, do the next steps.
- Halve the eggplants and chop roughly into 1-inch chunks. Place in colander and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt all over. Set in the sink to drain.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the lamb (or beef) and cook, stirring frequently, until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon on the black pepper and the 1/2 teaspoon of allspice, and turn the meat to coat it in the spices.
- Add the now-boiling water to cover by 1 inch. Bring the mixture back to a boil, skimming the foam from the surface. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, chop the carrots into 1-inch think rounds and the bell pepper into 10inch pieces.
- Heat remaining 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until they release their juices and are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Pat the eggplant dry. Add the eggplant, carrots, and bell pepper and cook until they are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and the meat with its liquid, and give the mixture a good stir.
- Add the remaining black pepper and bring the stew to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover the pot, and let cook about 30-45 minutes.
- Mash or mince the garlic and stir it in along with the pomegranate syrup, mint, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Taste, and adjust seasonging as needed.
- Serve with rice or eat with bread.
LAMB AND EGGPLANT STEW
Steps:
- In a dutch oven, heat the oil over moderately high heat until it ishot but not smokingand in it brown the lamb in batches, transferring it as it is browned to a bowl. Add onions to the dutch oven and cook them over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until they are just golden. Add the garlic, half the eggplant, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, vinegar, broth and lamb with any juices. Bring the liquid to a boil and braise the mixture, covered, in a pre-heated 350F oven for 1 hour. Stir in the remaining eggplant and bell peppers, braise the mixture, covered, for 30-40 minutes more, or until the eggplant is tender. Season the stew with salt and pepper. The stew improves in flavour if cooled to room temperature, uncovered, and chilled, covered, overnight.
EGGPLANT AND LAMB STEW
The Arabic name (which I can't remember) means 'It cooks itself.' Most Middle Eastern food is time-consuming to make; this name implies that the cook is embarrassed to serve something so simple. Best served over rice.
Provided by KELLYJEANNE
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Stews
Time 2h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, and brown the lamb on all sides. Mix in the eggplants, tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, and garlic. Cook and stir until tender and lightly browned.
- In a small bowl, blend the tomato paste and water. Mix into the pot with the lamb. Season lamb with allspice, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat shreds easily with a fork. Add a little water as necessary to keep the ingredients moist.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.9 calories, Carbohydrate 20.8 g, Cholesterol 68.2 mg, Fat 16.2 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 871.3 mg, Sugar 8.6 g
Tips:
- To ensure the perfect balance of flavors, use high-quality ingredients, particularly the eggplant and the lamb. Fresh, tender eggplant and succulent, flavorful lamb will elevate the dish.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the spiciness level to your preference. If you like a milder stew, reduce the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add more.
- For a richer stew, use bone-in lamb instead of boneless. The bones add depth and flavor to the broth.
- To avoid a watery stew, make sure to drain the excess liquid from the eggplant before adding it to the pot. You can also sprinkle the eggplant with salt and let it sit for a while before cooking to draw out any excess moisture.
- Serve the stew with a side of rice, quinoa, or pita bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion:
This hearty and flavorful lamb and eggplant stew is a delightful dish that is perfect for a cozy meal with friends or family. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying stew that is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the aromas of this delicious stew fill your kitchen.
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